I have many convictions based on my reading of God's word but my convictions are not theology - only what is explicitly taught in the Scriptures can be theology. But too often, our convictions become theology for us and we then believe others should abide by our theology.
For instance, there are many public battles being fought on social media over elements of orthodoxy and the gospel that would not be found in the Nicene Creed or the Apostles Creed, both of which are bedrocks of Biblical orthodoxy. But the personal beliefs of many over non-essentials of the faith have become core battlegrounds that not only define the individual who believes them but the orthodoxy or non-orthodoxy of those who don't.
One example is that of whether women should pastor or preach. The voices around this conviction are vociferous, often crude and unkind. One wonders where the Fruit of the Holy Spirit factors into the conversation but that is an aside. This is an issue that different people have different convictions about but for many their conviction has become unyielding theology and if you don't agree with me you are a heretic.
It also raises the question as to what is American theology and what is non-American theology as questions like this or like dispensational theology are very much an American preoccupation. To the church in the rest of the world these are often irrelevant debates. Because they are not seen as core to the Gospel or core theology. Yes they are personal convictions one way or another but they are not core tenants of the faith.
Convictions are those issues where the Holy Spirit speaks to us about our lives as to how we apply Scripture in our context. For instance, I have a conviction regarding certain lifestyle issues that Scripture does not directly speak to. It is my understanding of what God want's for my life based on the application of His truth to my life. But that does not mean that I can insist that others live by those same convictions for they are mine and not Scripture's. My convictions do not equate to theology. Thus we cannot impose them on others.
One of the great freedom's about following Jesus is that He gives us freedom in those areas where Scripture does not speak clearly to follow our own consciences. The good news is a Gospel of freedom rather than a system of legalism. We can choose to freely follow certain practices and we can choose to allow other to do the same - as Jesus gives all of us freedom to make those choices. I do make certain lifestyle choices were God gives freedom but I will not impose those choices on others because they are my choices and are not theology. I will also resist any attempts by others to impose on me their choices or convictions that are not theology.
Freedom is a wonderful thing. Lets use it carefully and joyfully and not allow convictions to become theology. When our convictions become theology that others must agree with we fall into the error of the Galatians rather than living in the freedom of Jesus.
